Executive Chef James Lee,
The Ocean Grill
Hailing from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Executive Chef James Lee was lured into the culinary world when his passion for food and the hospitality industry was recognized at an early age. Taking his first job as line cook at the ripe age of 16, James realized his affinity for creating great food. He went on to study hospitality management at East Carolina University, learning the nuances of the industry while working as sous chef in some of Greenville’s most upscale establishments, where he learned to develop his own unique taste and style. Upon graduation, he returned home to the Outer Banks and continued his career as both catering and executive chef at what many to believe the finest dining establishment in the area: 1587 Restaurant in downtown Manteo, NC.
During his time on the Outer Banks, James honed his craft and utilized the many opportunities that helped shape his style and depth of knowledge. Most notably, he presented and prepared a series of culinary exhibitions titled “Seafood Series” at North Carolina area aquariums, and was asked to cater a number of high-profile movie productions, preparing food for the likes of John Travolta, Diane Lane and Richard Gere. With his desire for growth and yearning for success, James left the Outer Banks to pursue an opportunity to work in a larger market, and took a position as executive sous chef at the highly regarded Capital City Club in downtown Raleigh.
Seizing the opportunity to craft his own identity as an executive chef, James joined The Ocean Grill in November of 2009. James’ culinary philosophy and passion is reflected daily in his work. He crafts not just dishes, but flavors – and he presents them with style and elegance. James balances his culinary career with enjoying every spare moment with his close friends/family and loveable black lab, Charlie.
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